Welcome to Divisional Round Weekend.

Doesn’t have the same the same ring to it as Wild Card Weekend, does it?

But with regard to the New England Patriots, the only ring that round has to it is a grim one, as in for whom the bell tolls.

Thus the Patriots are for the third straight year watching four other AFC teams compete, asked to leave the part. Last year they weren’t even invited to the party.

There are all sorts of theories, reasons, etc. for all of that. Many in the media, including yours truly, have picked apart the meat off the cadaver that is the 2021 New England Patriots.

But let’s ask one simple question: What do the four teams – heck, make it all eight teams – who are still left competing for a chance to go to the Super Bowl have that the Patriots don’t?

The answer: Playmakers. In the AFC, we already know first hand what Buffalo has. We’ve seen a lot of what the Chiefs have. The Titans aren’t as explosive, and their playmaker missed the second half of the season with a foot injury, and Derrick Henry may or may not play Saturday. But he’s a playmaker. And the Bengals certainly have them, not the least of which is their quarterback, Joe Burrow.

In the NFC, the same, starting with the explosive Rams and of course that team in Tampa. Green Bay, of course, and even the 49ers, despite some of Jimmy Garapplo’s shortcomings, have Deebo Samuel. Guys the other team simply can’t handle at some point or another.

That’s why they are all still playing. Next year it could change, who knows. But it’s certainly an empty feeling for Patriots fans, to see all these teams doing what New England had done for all those years. We’ll get into more of that as we approach the Super Bowl.

For now, let’s focus on the present and the teams who are playing, and see if we can overcome a so-so Wild Card Weekend and pick the right playmakers:

BENGALS 23, TITANS 16

We’ll know after the first quarter or so where this game is going. The Bengals have the abiltiy to blow out the Titans. We don’t believe Derrick Henry will be much of a factor just comin off foot surgery, if he plays. Now, the Titans have the edge on both sides of the line of scrimmage. But if Henry can’t be, well, a playmaker, the Bengals have the edge at the most important position: Quarterback.

CHIEFS 40, BILLS 38

Shootout in K.C. Both teams weren’t looking great two months ago and have risen to the top, and the belief here is one of the two will be in the Super Bowl. They’ve just got so much firepower. The Chiefs will struggle with Allen, the Bills will struggle with Mahomes and Travis Kelce. Literally just flipped a coin on this one – and didn’t defer.

RAMS 27, BUCS 20

Upset special, one that may make Patriots fans smile and Brady fans mad. But here’s why: Tampa Bay is hurting, especially on the offensive line. The Rams, thanks to Aaron Donald, have a pass rusher who will feast on that sudden weakness. Will it be enough to make a difference in the game and prevent a Rodgers-Brady rematch? We’re thinking it just might.

PACKERS 37, NINERS 17

This looks to these eyes to be the least competitive of the four games, even though it was a close battle during the regular season. Garappolo is hurting, Rodgers is in a zone and even the week off won’t slow him down. We think the Pack is back in the Super Bowl, and it starts with a convincing win on Divisional Weekend.

LAST WEEK: 4-2

PLAYOFFS: 4-2

REGULAR SEASON: 80-48

Tom King may be reached at tking@nashuatelegraph.com. Also, follow King on Twitter (@Telegraph_TomK).

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